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When you’re house-hunting, it’s easy to focus on bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens, but there’s another feature quietly doing heavy lifting for your wellbeing and your wallet: the garden. Whether it’s a sprawling backyard or a modest balcony, green space is increasingly recognised as a genuine mental health investment; one that pays dividends long after settlement day.
A striking 93% of Australians report improved mental health from gardening, and the market is catching up. According to the October 2025 Plant Value Report, homes with greenery now command a 17.4% price premium (roughly $140,000) over those without. In other words, buyers aren’t just paying for plants; they’re paying for how those plants make them feel.
So, if you’re looking to buy, here’s how to spot a place where the garden can truly work for you and your headspace.
Start With Sunlight (and Your Smartphone)
Before you picture veggie patches or a shady reading nook, pull out your smartphone compass. In Australia, a garden with a northern or north-eastern orientation is the sweet spot. Think of it as the “Goldilocks” amount of sun: enough light to grow a thriving, restorative garden without the punishing afternoon heat that comes with a western exposure.
Morning sun is gentler and more consistent, which is ideal for both plants and people. It encourages time outdoors earlier in the day (before work, after school, or during a calm weekend morning) without turning your garden into a summer furnace. If you’re inspecting a property in the afternoon, take a moment to notice where the shadows fall.
Look for ‘Good Bones’
You don’t need a magazine-ready landscape on day one. What matters is whether the garden has good bones, that is, a good foundation to build upon. An example of this is looking for already established trees. They provide natural cooling, privacy from neighbours, and a sense of maturity that new plantings can’t replicate for years. Research consistently links tree cover with lower urban heat and greater feelings of calm.
Next, check the hardscaping. A functional deck, patio or paved area creates that coveted indoor–outdoor flow. This seamless transition makes it easier to step outside with a coffee, do a few stretches, or unwind after work. Regular access to outdoor spaces has been linked to many benefits, like lower daily stress levels, often measured through reduced cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. You don’t need a huge space, just one that invites use.
Size Isn’t Everything, Especially in Dense Suburbs
In high-demand, inner-city areas like Moonee Ponds (where many buyers first speak with a Moonee Ponds mortgage broker to understand their borrowing power), a traditional backyard can feel like a luxury.
The good news is you don’t need one to reap the mental health benefits. A small courtyard or even a well-considered balcony garden can offer the same restorative effects as a larger yard, provided a few fundamentals are right.
Orientation still matters. A north-facing balcony with half a dozen large pots can outperform a shaded, south-facing lawn. Soil quality is another key check. Even in containers, healthy soil supports healthier plants, which in turn creates a more satisfying and calming gardening experience. When inspecting, don’t be shy about looking into planters or garden beds. Crumbly, dark soil is a good sign; compacted or waterlogged soil may signal extra work ahead.
Think About Privacy and Noise
Mental restoration comes from feeling a degree of refuge. When assessing a garden, notice sightlines from neighbouring properties and the street. Hedges, fences and trees all play a role in creating a sense of enclosure. Similarly, listen for ambient noise. While you can’t change everything, greenery itself helps soften sound, making outdoor spaces feel calmer and more usable.
Benefiting Your Mental and Financial Well-being
A garden that supports your mental health today is also likely to support your financial future. With a clear price premium attached to greenery, buyers who prioritise outdoor space are effectively investing in resale appeal. Even simple improvements such as planting trees, improving soil, or enhancing indoor–outdoor connections can add both lifestyle and market value over time.
So, as you walk through your next open inspection, step outside and pause. Check the sun, notice the trees, and imagine how the space might support your wellbeing. Your future garden isn’t just a nice thing to have, it’s an investment in your mental health.
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